Ten years ago, Michael's life changed when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that would change his life forever, making him completely deaf on his right side. Gaining a disability early in his life, Michael quickly realized that we as a society do not adequately accommodate people with disabilities as we should. Since then, Michael has been determined to change that.

Michael has served as a Governor-appointed Councilmember on the North Carolina Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since July 2021 and the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council since February 2024, advocating for a more accessible North Carolina that provides quality services and resources for people with disabilities. Initially appointed by Governor Roy Cooper.

On these councils, Michael has collaborated with decision-makers to significantly improve and create new services for individuals with disabilities, promoted the elimination of societal barriers, created a new statewide plan for independent living, recommended updates to policy, and ensured that North Carolina is inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities. 

Michael believes that if we as a society are purposeful in eliminating barriers and creating a more equitable and accessible world, then people with disabilities can live as independently as those without. Michael hopes to one day live in a world where the full integration of people with disabilities throughout all facets of society is a reality and not just a goal.